Lost Village Loop

Photo of old building from Lost Village
  • Distance: 6k/2.5hrs
  • Services: Clonaslee (10k)
  • Trail Grade: Moderate
  • To suit: Medium level of fitness
  • Terrain: Scenic Views, forest road
  • Min. gear: Sturdy walking boots, fluids
  • Trail maintenance: hikeit@slievebloom.ie
  • Dogs allowed: No
map of lost village loop

Please note that this trail in the Slieve Bloom mountains will be closed to public access on SUNDAY 4th OCTBOBER 2026 to facilitate the Laois Forestry Rally.

Local Signage will be posted in advance of the event and on the day on the affected Trails. Laois Forestry Rally is being organised by Laois Rallysport Club who will be providing Marshals on the relevant forest trails. Please follow the marshals instructions.  Check the website www.laoisrallyclub.ie for more information. 

Right from mapboard, follow the green arrows uphill, turning right on to forest road. Crossing a stile, turn right after 200m downhill and take the next left. The first house ruins on your walk is the Conroy family’s and the next one, on your right, is the Fitzpatrick household ruins.

Keep left after 200m and follow the green arrows for approximately 1km on your right by the River Barrow you will reach Gallagher’s Mill site. Follow the green arrow by the river and turn uphill to the forest road, turn right here and take the next left. You are now in the Lost Village. You can see the photo of the Clear family on the gable end of the house. Continue following the green arrows onto the Bog Bridge to the Ridge of Capard viewing point and back to the car park. On your walk, you can stop and read the history of each family that lived here and reference index on map.

Thanks to Sean Flanagan, author, for his book on the history of the Lost Village.

  1. Conroy Family
  2. Fitzpatrick Household Ruins
  3. Gallagher’s Mill Site
  4. Gallagher Family
  5. Clear family
  6. Doorley Family
  7. Lalor Family
  8. Conroy Family

 

Directions to Capard trailhead

Rosenallis on the R422 between Clonaslee and Mountmellick. On the sharp bend follow the signpost for Glenbarrow L2018. After 2km straight to next junction. After 2.5km turn right at a follow the signs to the Ridge of Capard Grid Reference: N 364 065.

Ownership & Management

The Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service; part of the Department of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

 

Walking Events

The Slieve Bloom Walking Club organise walks every weekend of the year. All of these walks are led by an experienced and friendly walk leader who is very familiar with the mountains. These walks are post to the Walking calendar weekly.

Walking Calendar

A panel of guides are also available if you are are looking for a personal leader who can tailor-make a walk to suit your party or group.

Other Walks Nearby

Link to Ridge Of Capard Viewing Platform Loop Scenic photo along Other Walks

Ridge Of Capard Viewing Platform Loop

Link to Capard Route Photo along Capard route

Capard Route